Seachem Flourish Excel 100mL

Seachem Flourish Excel is a versatile liquid carbon source designed for planted freshwater aquariums.
It provides a readily available source of organic carbon, which can be utilized by aquatic plants as an alternative to dissolved CO2 for photosynthesis. All plants require a source of carbon. This is typically obtained from CO2, but, may also be derived from simple organic compounds (such as photosynthetic intermediates).

The use of either CO2 injection or Flourish Excel does not necessarily negate the use of the other.
Because the processes of producing photosynthetic intermediates and building onto them occur simultaneously, one can derive a substantial benefit with the use of Flourish Excel either alone or in conjunction with CO2.
The combination is particularly ideal for situations when continuing to add CO2 could result in dangerously low pH levels.
Flourish Excel also has iron reducing properties which promote the ferrous state of iron (Fe+2), which is more easily utilized by plants than ferric iron (Fe+3).
The reason plants need CO2 is to produce longer chain carbon compounds also known as photosynthetic intermediates.

Photosynthetic intermediates includes compounds such as ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate, and 2-carboxy-3-keto-D-arabinitol 1,5 bisphosphate.
Although the names are complicated, the structures are quite simple (5 carbon chains).
Flourish Excel does not contain these specific compounds per se, but one that is quite similar.
By dosing with Flourish Excel you bypass the involvement of CO2 and introduce the already finished, structurally similar compounds.
It is in its structural similarity that Flourish Excel is able to be utilized in the carbon chain building process of photosynthesis.
Simple chemical or enzymatic steps can easily convert it to any one to any one of the above named compounds (or a variety of others).

Features:

• Bioavailable Organic Carbon Source: Provides a source of pre-cursor molecules (photosynthetic intermediates) that can be readily absorbed by plants, supplementing their nutrition and promoting healthy growth.
• Algae Control: Helps suppress the growth of nuisance algae species like hair algae, beard algae, and string algae by providing a preferred carbon source, encouraging them to utilize Excel over competing with plants for vital nutrients.
• Enhanced Plant colouration: Can contribute to richer colours in some aquatic plants.
• Easy-to-Use Liquid: Simply add the recommended dosage to your aquarium water on a regular basis.

Benefits:

• Promotes Healthy Plant Growth: Provides a readily available carbon source that some plants readily utilize for photosynthesis and growth.
• Supplements CO2 Injection: Can be used as an alternative or supplement to CO2 injection systems in planted aquariums.
• Combats Nuisance Algae: Helps control unwanted algae growth by offering a preferred carbon source for algae over competing with plants.
• Safe for Most Aquarium Inhabitants: Generally safe for fish, snails, and other common aquarium invertebrates (excluding filter-feeding shrimp).
• Easy and Convenient Dosing: Simple liquid format simplifies the addition of organic carbon to your aquarium.
• Economical and Long-Lasting: Concentrated formula ensures a long-lasting supply with minimal waste.

The formula is generally safe for most aquarium inhabitants, with the exception of filter-feeding shrimp species which may be sensitive.

Directions:
On initial use or after a major (> 40%) water change, use 1 capful (5ml) for every 40 L (10 US gallons).
Thereafter use 1 capful for every 200 L (50 US gallons) daily or every other day.
For smaller dosing please note that each cap thread is approximately 1ml